Questions and Answers

Pontiac Grand Am Taken For A Ride? Q. Vincent, I have a question. Just recently I went to a service station that did state inspections to have my Pontiac Grand Am GT inspected. When I went back to pick it up I was told that it failed the inspection due to the drivers side outside tie rod needs to be replaced. I informed my fiancé who was a little surprised by that due to the fact that the car is not pulling to one side or the other while you are driving.

I myself have very little knowledge about cars and so when I drove it home I took both hands off the steering wheel to see if it would pull to one side or the other. It did not. Could you advise me if this is true if the car pulls to one side it needs the tie rod replaced and if so wouldn't I have noticed it?

I am just wondering if I am being taken for a free ride. Here is more information on the car. It is a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT with 46,900 miles. If you need more information please let me know.

Thanks,
Patty

A. A tie-rod can have excessive play and not cause a pull. What you need to do is have them put car on a lift and show you the play if you are worried about being taken advantage of. Your tires will show signs of wear on the inside or outside edges due to toe-in measurements changing.